The Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr. Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, FMBE, has once again underscored the power of unity, religious tolerance and inclusive leadership as the foundation for sustainable development and prosperity in his domain. The monarch spoke yesterday on the sidelines of the annual New Year Prayer held in Odo-Noforija, an event that has become symbolic of the kingdom’s culture of harmony across religious and social lines.
Describing unity as a deliberate policy of his palace, the royal father stressed that Odo-Noforija remains a community where faith is not a basis for division. According to him, “Every program in the palace is to promote unity and love. In our community, we don’t discriminate between being Christian, Muslim or even the traditional religious worshipers. I bring them together every year, we pray together for the success of the community as a whole. You can’t enter this community and hear discrimination due to the way we relate with one another.”
Oba Ogunlaja attributed the stability and progress recorded in the kingdom to purposeful leadership rooted in competence and legacy building. Drawing parallels with governance, the monarch noted that leadership thrives when the right people are placed in the right positions. “Well, we are being grateful to God Almighty that people like us attain the throne. When you put the round peg in a round hole,there won’t be any problem. If you establish a ministry like the ministry of works and you put a civil engineer as a commissioner, he knows already what he’s doing,” he said. He added that being from a royal family has made leadership seamless, allowing him to focus on laying a solid foundation: “It’s very easy to lead the throne and focus on the legacy so that the next generation will continue from the good work you have started.”
The monarch also emphasized the importance of peer learning and accountability among traditional rulers, noting that progress is accelerated when good initiatives are shared and emulated. “The essence of inviting our colleagues when you have some initiatives is for them to witness. When you do something good, they will also emulate it,” he explained. Using the New Year Prayer as a case study, he said, “So as a king you must look for a way to develop your community. It is what you do that your people will benefit from either good or bad so it’s better to do what is beneficial to the community.”
Beyond Odo-Noforija, Oba Ogunlaja extended his message of peace and unity to the entire nation, describing harmony as a non-negotiable ingredient for national progress. “Even the whole of Nigeria, I always wish them well because we always pray for peace irrespective of your religion, Christian, Muslim or the traditional religions worshipers there must be unity which we are doing now,” he said. He pointed out that although the prayer was organized by Christians, adherents of Islam and traditional religions were fully represented. “Aside from this, I also have a another one that I usually organize to unite all the religious worshipers,” he added, noting that the initiative serves as a message to fellow monarchs that “it’s beautiful to be in unity with your community.”
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive governance, the Aladeshonyin described his palace as a place of openness, dialogue and collective decision-making. “Definitely my palace is an open place for all, if there’s anything you wish to know or don’t understand, come to me and I’ll shed more light,” he said. He further explained his consultative leadership style, adding, “I don’t sit and make conclusions on my own, I take advice, listen, rub minds, hear from my people and then make decisions.”
Through these ideals and actions, Oba Ogunlaja continues to project Odo-Noforija Kingdom as a model of religious tolerance, unity and visionary traditional leadership. These are values he believes are essential for enduring peace, progress and prosperity.
